Example Genograms

Professional examples demonstrating common family patterns and clinical scenarios. Use these as templates or learning references.

We often storyboard intergenerational events alongside ChronoCraft so clinicians can compare timelines and genograms side by side before sessions.

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Three-Generation Substance Abuse Pattern

Demonstrates intergenerational substance use patterns with recovery markers and treatment history.

Key Patterns:

  • Multigenerational alcohol dependence
  • Recovery in second generation
  • Cross-addiction patterns
  • Codependency relationships

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Blended Family System

Shows complex family structure after divorce and remarriage with step-sibling relationships.

Key Patterns:

  • Multiple marriages and divorces
  • Step-parent relationships
  • Half-sibling connections
  • Co-parenting arrangements

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Multi-Generational Mental Health Patterns

Illustrates patterns of depression and anxiety across three generations with treatment outcomes.

Key Patterns:

  • Depression in maternal line
  • Anxiety disorders in siblings
  • Treatment response patterns
  • Protective factors identified

Genogram diagram preview

Cultural3 Generations

Cultural Transition and Acculturation

Documents immigration experience and acculturation stress across generations.

Key Patterns:

  • Migration from country of origin
  • Language transition patterns
  • Cultural identity conflicts
  • Intergenerational value differences

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Cut-Off and Estrangement Patterns

Demonstrates emotional cut-offs and estranged relationships within extended family.

Key Patterns:

  • Sibling estrangement
  • Parent-child cut-offs
  • Unresolved family conflict
  • Communication breakdown

Genogram diagram preview

Theoretical4 Generations

Close-Knit Extended Family System

Shows healthy enmeshment with strong support networks and frequent contact.

Key Patterns:

  • Strong extended family bonds
  • Frequent family gatherings
  • Shared caregiving responsibilities
  • Cultural traditions maintained

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Parentification and Role Reversal

Illustrates children taking on parental roles due to parent illness or dysfunction.

Key Patterns:

  • Child caregiving for parent
  • Sibling parenting younger children
  • Loss of childhood experiences
  • Boundary violations

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Loss and Grieving Patterns

Documents multiple losses and their impact on family functioning and relationships.

Key Patterns:

  • Multiple early deaths
  • Complicated grief reactions
  • Anniversary reactions
  • Unresolved mourning

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Domestic Violence and Trauma

Shows patterns of domestic violence, abuse, and trauma transmission across generations.

Key Patterns:

  • Intergenerational violence patterns
  • Victim-perpetrator cycles
  • Protective service involvement
  • Breaking the cycle in recent generation

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical4 Generations

Adoption and Foster Care System

Documents complex adoption history, foster placements, and search for biological family.

Key Patterns:

  • Multiple foster placements
  • Open vs. closed adoptions
  • Reunion with birth family
  • Identity development challenges

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Chronic Illness and Disability

Illustrates impact of chronic medical conditions and disabilities on family system.

Key Patterns:

  • Genetic condition inheritance
  • Caregiver burden patterns
  • Sibling role differentiation
  • Medical crisis as family organizer

Genogram diagram preview

Cultural3 Generations

LGBTQ+ Identity and Family Response

Shows coming out process and varying family acceptance across generations.

Key Patterns:

  • Coming out timeline
  • Family acceptance vs. rejection
  • Chosen family integration
  • Generational attitude shifts

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Single Parent Household

Demonstrates single parent family structure with extended family support systems.

Key Patterns:

  • Absent parent patterns
  • Grandparent co-parenting
  • Economic hardship impact
  • Resilience and adaptation

Genogram diagram preview

Cultural3 Generations

Military Family Transitions

Documents impact of military service, deployments, and relocations on family.

Key Patterns:

  • Multiple deployments
  • PTSD and combat trauma
  • Frequent relocations
  • Military culture transmission

Genogram diagram preview

Cultural3 Generations

Religious Conversion and Conflict

Shows interfaith marriage, religious conversion, and resulting family tensions.

Key Patterns:

  • Interfaith marriage challenges
  • Religious conversion impact
  • Holiday tradition conflicts
  • Children's religious identity

Genogram diagram preview

Theoretical3 Generations

Academic Achievement Pressure

Illustrates high achievement expectations and academic pressure across generations.

Key Patterns:

  • Professional family legacy
  • Educational achievement emphasis
  • Career path expectations
  • Performance anxiety patterns

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical4 Generations

Family Secrets and Revelations

Documents impact of family secrets (paternity, adoption, illness) on relationships.

Key Patterns:

  • Paternity secrets revealed
  • Hidden adoption disclosure
  • Concealed illness or death
  • Truth-telling consequences

Genogram diagram preview

Theoretical3 Generations

Triangulation and Coalition Patterns

Shows dysfunctional triangles and parent-child coalitions in family system.

Key Patterns:

  • Parent-child coalitions
  • Cross-generational alliances
  • Sibling rivalry triangulation
  • Marital conflict displacement

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Socioeconomic Changes and Class Mobility

Documents upward or downward mobility and its impact on family relationships.

Key Patterns:

  • Class mobility patterns
  • Financial crisis impact
  • Wealth distribution conflicts
  • Value system shifts

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Incarceration and Criminal Justice System

Shows impact of incarceration on family structure and intergenerational patterns.

Key Patterns:

  • Multiple family members incarcerated
  • Children visiting parent in prison
  • Reentry challenges
  • Criminal justice system impact

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Eating Disorders and Body Image

Illustrates eating disorder patterns and body image issues across family members.

Key Patterns:

  • Anorexia and bulimia patterns
  • Family meal dynamics
  • Body image commentary
  • Recovery and relapse cycles

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Autism Spectrum and Neurodiversity

Documents autism diagnosis across generations and family adaptation patterns.

Key Patterns:

  • Multiple family members on spectrum
  • Late diagnosis in adults
  • Accommodation strategies
  • Strength-based perspective

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical4 Generations

Late-Life Remarriage and Blending

Shows complexities of remarriage after loss or divorce in older adults.

Key Patterns:

  • Widowhood and new partnership
  • Adult children's reactions
  • Estate planning conflicts
  • Caregiving responsibilities

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Infertility and Assisted Reproduction

Documents fertility challenges, IVF, surrogacy, and impact on relationships.

Key Patterns:

  • Multiple miscarriages
  • IVF and assisted reproduction
  • Surrogacy arrangements
  • Child-free by circumstance

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical4 Generations

Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiving

Illustrates impact of dementia on family system and caregiving patterns.

Key Patterns:

  • Progressive cognitive decline
  • Caregiver stress and burden
  • Memory care decisions
  • Anticipatory grief

Genogram diagram preview

Cultural3 Generations

Changing Gender Roles

Shows evolution of gender role expectations across generations.

Key Patterns:

  • Traditional gender roles in G1
  • Career women in G2
  • Stay-at-home fathers in G3
  • Intergenerational value conflicts

Genogram diagram preview

Clinical3 Generations

Suicide Loss and Prevention

Documents suicide loss impact and suicide risk patterns in family.

Key Patterns:

  • Completed suicide in family
  • Survivor guilt and trauma
  • Suicide risk assessment
  • Prevention and intervention

Educational Purpose

These examples are educational composites created to demonstrate clinical patterns and proper notation. They do not represent real families. All names and identifying details are fictional. Use these examples to learn standard notation, identify common patterns, and practice clinical interpretation.